7 Best Restaurants in The Adirondacks and Thousand Islands, New York

Smoked ribs are the specialty at this perennial local favorite, and if you like them you might consider buying the bottled barbecue sauce. The wedge-cut fries are thick and satisfying, and the hearty breakfasts include all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancakes. In warm weather you may eat on the small deck. There's also a full bar.

Locals come into this casual, family-style Italian restaurant for hearty portions of meatball lasagna, veal Parmesan, or a seared Delmonico steak. There's a lounge and pool table.

This family-oriented restaurant actually floats on the water (the foundation was once used as a dredge on the New York State Canal System). The oak-trimmed dining room has antique buffet tables. Try the prime rib (also served Cajun style), seafood pasta, porterhouse steak, or shrimp scampi. The menu also includes plenty of chicken and pasta dishes. The restaurant is part of Captain Thompson's Resort. A deck has open-air dining.

Cavallario's is one of those places that quickly becomes a family tradition. Part steak house, part seafood eatery, the place also has a rich and lusty Italian streak. Try the bruschetta, escargot, or the hot peppers (a regional favorite) to warm you up for more-robust fare like the veal, manicotti, duckling, or the combination seafood in wine sauce.

Despite billing itself as the village's "best-kept secret," this sports bar and restaurant near the shore always seems to be hopping. The daily menu includes pizzas, burgers, appetizers, and dinner specials where the chef gets creative with what's in the kitchen. Cheese sauces are common. There's fish on Friday and prime rib on Saturday.

A pianist or harpist adds to the romantic tone of this elegant restaurant where you have views of Boldt Castle and the St. Lawrence River through floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen turns out fine American and French fare, all presented with flair. Broiled sea bass, New York–cut prime rib, and veal and lobster dishes are worth trying, as are the flaming desserts. The wine list is long, varied, and features several choices from New York State.

The restaurant's country-rustic decor is accented by plenty of ponderosa pine, and wildlife art adorns the walls. The menu includes sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and chops, which you may order at a table or at the bar.